7 Vows I Never Told My Spouse at Our Wedding

They might sound unromantic, but they are promises that should be a part of every marriage.

By Megan Bailey

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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).

Doesn’t it all sound so wonderful? Vowing to keep your love through sickness and health, through poverty or riches, all pitched in a romantic and beautiful way. It’s comfortable and traditional for us to want the love that is associated with roses and perfection that we see in movies. However, when it comes to keeping marriages together forever, it all becomes pretty useless. What marriage can only survive on frilly Shakespearean-esque promises?

When most people get married, they don’t realize how little they know about marriage. In truth, practical promises in marriage are what really keep a couple going. We need vows that are less focused on our emotions and romance, and more tuned into being honest with our partner. They may sound unconventional and are certainly not the most poetic. They are promises, though, that if kept will go far in sealing a marriage for the ages.

Instead of idolizing romantic love, here are vows that will shape and impact marriages for the better.